[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 627 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 627

   Deploring the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq, 
    regardless of the circumstances of their detention, urging the 
Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any member of the Armed 
     Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 
 expressing the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous and 
 honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or 
   are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 5, 2004

 Mr. Hunter submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
 the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on 
International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by 
the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall 
           within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Deploring the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq, 
    regardless of the circumstances of their detention, urging the 
Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any member of the Armed 
     Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 
 expressing the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous and 
 honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or 
   are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other 
                               purposes.

Whereas the American people and the world are dismayed by revelations of abuses 
        inflicted upon detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad;
Whereas the military justice process so far has resulted in charges being 
        brought against six individuals, three of whom have been recommended for 
        trial by court martial;
Whereas the investigation by the United States Central Command has identified 
        problems of leadership, chain of command, and training that contributed 
        to the instances of abuse;
Whereas the Congress was not fully informed of the existence, or the 
        seriousness, of those abuses or of the investigation of those abuses 
        until after they had been disclosed in the national media;
Whereas such abuses are offensive to the principles and values of the American 
        people and the United States military, are incompatible with the 
        professionalism, dedication, standards and training required of 
        individuals who serve in the United States military, and contradict the 
        policies, orders, and laws of the United States and the United States 
        military and undermine the ability of the United States military to 
        achieve its mission in Iraq;
Whereas the vast majority of members of the Armed Forces have upheld the highest 
        possible standards of professionalism and morality in the face of 
        illegal tactics and terrorist attacks and attempts on their lives;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces have planned and conducted, frequently at 
        great peril and cost, military operations in a manner carefully intended 
        to prevent or minimize injury to Iraqi civilians and property;
Whereas over 138,000 members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq, 
        a total force comprised of active, National Guard, and Reserve 
        personnel, are executing a courageous and determined mission to rebuild 
        and rehabilitate a proud nation after liberating it from the tyranny, 
        oppression, and genocide of Saddam Hussein's evil regime;
Whereas the Department of Defense has awarded members of the Armed Forces 
        serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom at least 3,767 Purple Hearts, as well 
        as thousands of commendations for valor, including at least 4 
        Distinguished Service Crosses, 127 Silver Stars, and over 16,000 Bronze 
        Stars;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces, United States citizens, over 30 Coalition 
        partners, and patriotic Iraqis are working to finally return the 
        government of Iraq to the Iraqi people after decades of despotism;
Whereas since the deposing of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi people have enjoyed 
        substantial improvements in essential services, including major water, 
        sewage, power, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and 
        food security projects that already benefit millions more citizens than 
        under the Ba'ath Party regime;
Whereas the quality of life for Iraqis has significantly improved in the areas 
        of food availability, health services, and educational opportunities 
        since the downfall of the Hussein government; and
Whereas security provided by the United States Armed Forces, the Coalition 
        partners of the United States, and the Iraqi people has permitted the 
        adoption by Iraq of a Transitional Administrative Law, with the promise 
        of a sovereign Iraqi Interim Government, national elections, a 
        constitution, and democracy: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) deplores and condemns the abuse of persons in United 
        States custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of 
        their detention;
            (2) declares that the alleged crimes of a handful of 
        individuals should not detract from the commendable sacrifices 
        of over 300,000 members of the United States Armed Forces who 
        have served, or who are serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;
            (3) reaffirms and reinforces the American principle that 
        any and all individuals under the custody and care of the 
        United States Armed Forces shall be afforded proper and humane 
        treatment;
            (4) urges the Secretary of the Army to conduct a full and 
        thorough investigation into any and all allegations of 
        mistreatment or abuse of detainees in Iraq;
            (5) urges the Secretary of the Army and appropriate 
        military authorities to undertake corrective action to address 
        chain of command deficiencies and the systemic deficiencies 
        identified in the incidents in question;
            (6) urges the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift 
        justice any member of the Armed Forces who has violated the 
        Uniform Code of Military Justice to ensure that their actions 
        are not allowed to impugn the integrity of the United States 
        Armed Forces or undermine the United States mission in Iraq;
            (7) reaffirms the need for Congress to be frequently 
        updated on the status of efforts by the Department of Defense 
        to address and resolve issues identified in this resolution;
            (8) expresses the deep appreciation of the Nation to the 
        courageous and honorable members of the Armed Forces who have 
        selflessly served, or who are currently serving, in Operation 
        Iraqi Freedom;
            (9) expresses the support and thanks of the Nation to the 
        families and friends of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors, 
        and Coast Guardsmen who have served, or who are serving, in 
        Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
            (10) expresses the continuing solidarity and support of the 
        House of Representatives and the American people for the 
        partnership of the United States with the Iraqi people in 
        building a viable Iraqi government and a secure nation.
                                 <all>